Speakers:

Anthony Williams, Mayor of Washington DC
Richard Simmons, Chief Executive, CABE
Ben Page, Director, MORI

For many years architects have claimed to be engineers of social change. They argue that a well designed school will result in children getting better examination results, and that a good hospital will help patients recover more quickly. This conference in Venice considered the evidence that architecture can engineer social change, and examined the effect architecture can have on happiness. It debated some of the new ideas that are emerging to make towns and cities safer, greener and more attractive places to live and work.

Dermot Finch from the Centre took part in a panel dicussion on architecture and social change.

His speech can be found here.